EXCLUSIVE: “Fascinating set-up given his clashes with Kohli during IPL” – Danny on Gambhir as India coach

Renowned cricket commentator and former New Zealand cricketer Danny Morrison recently shared his thoughts on Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, particularly in light of his past clashes with Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League (IPL). In an exclusive interview with InsideSport, Morrison praised Gambhir’s strategic mind and his potential to lead the Indian team into a new era.

Gautam Gambhir Tactical Acumen

Danny Morrison lauded Gautam Gambhir’s strategic approach, emphasising his organisational skills and ability to handle pressure. “Gautam Gambhir is very organised in terms of strategy. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, and he brings a lot of experience,” Morrison stated.

Gambhir, a former Indian opener and IPL-winning captain with Kolkata Knight Riders, has always been known for his meticulous planning and sharp cricketing brain. Now, as the head coach, he is eager to prove himself in this new role.

“Gautam Gambhir is very organised in terms of strategy. Gotta good head on shoulders, clearly have a lot of experience. And as a player he wanted to achieve a lot and here is another chapter of a Gautam Gambhir, novel if you like. He is really keen to do well. And it is a fascinating set-up given his clashes with Virat Kohli recently during the IPL.”

“Rohit and Virat are on twilight of their career and I think that Gautam Gambhir is the right guy, given that he just been with Kolkata Knight Riders set-up that won the IPL.”

Gautam Gambhir vs Virat Kohli: Fascinating Dynamic

One of the more intriguing aspects of Gambhir’s appointment, according to Morrison, is his relationship with Virat Kohli. The two have clashed on several occasions during the IPL, with tensions running high between Gambhir, as a coach, and Kohli, as a player. Morrison described it as a “fascinating set-up” given their history of on-field confrontations.

However, Morrison pointed out that both Gambhir and Kohli have put their differences aside for the greater good of the Indian team.

Kohli and Rohit’s Twilight Years

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both nearing the twilight of their international careers, Morrison believes that Gambhir’s leadership is timely. “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are at the end of their careers, and I think Gautam Gambhir is the right guy to guide this transition,” Morrison commented. Having been part of a successful IPL setup with Kolkata Knight Riders, Gambhir is well-equipped to steer India forward as a coach.

Shared History

Despite their recent tensions, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir share a significant history. They were both part of India’s 2011 ICC ODI World Cup-winning squad, playing key roles in the historic victory. This shared experience, coupled with their mutual respect for each other’s cricketing abilities, will be crucial as they work together for the national team.

As India prepares for the upcoming Test series against Australia, the combination of Gambhir’s tactical nous and Kohli’s on-field brilliance will be closely watched.